New exhibit shows the beauty of woodworking

Ed Bosley’s “Turquoise Treasure” is on display at MMFSM. Vanguard Photo | Brooke Elward

“Explorations in Wood: Selections from The Center for Art in Wood” opened Jan. 24 in Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum.

The reception offered light refreshments and an early chance to see the 70 sculptures created by different artists. It was curated by Andy McGivern, the curator of exhibitions at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Megan McAdow, the director of the MMFSM, said the exhibit showcases work on display in Philadelphia.

“The 70 objects comprising ‘Explorations in Wood’ are a small sample of the work held in the collection of Philadelphia’s Center for Art in Wood, gathered over a 40-year period,” she said.

McAdow said the art created displays wood’s global beauty.

“These works stem from a love of wood and display a rich variety of wood types,” she said. “Processes are varied, too, including wood-turned vessels as well as more sculptural forms. Many celebrate the natural beauty of wood, evident in rich warm-brown tones and assorted grain patterns, typical of materials gathered around the globe.”

McAdow said using wood as a medium makes the pieces unique.

“These approaches and others highlight the diversity and unlimited potential of wood,” she said. “The Center for Art in Wood encourages an international roster of artists to not only explore the many facets of wood; the center also continues to challenge artists to discover the inherent and dynamic possibilities of the medium.”

Breanna Newer, a history senior and student worker at the museum, said the exhibit is a great opportunity for the public.

“All of the events attached to this exhibit are a great opportunity for the public to get a first look at Marshall Fredericks and the exhibit,” she said.

The exhibit included various types of woodworking project, including bowls, plates, abstract art and a sculpture of a mandrill. Newer said she hopes SVSU students take advantage of the resource that the museum can be to them on campus.

“Admission to the museum, including the temporary exhibitions, is always free, and we are open six days a week,” Newer said.

Newer said a series of events has been created to complement the exhibition. Some of these public events include an art workshop Jan. 30, a Lunch and Learn series talk March 25 and a wood art mini fair April 4. Details can be found on the Marshall Fredericks website.

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